Upcycling is a way of putting old things to use and keeping items like furniture out of landfills. Whether you’re on a tight budget, or simply want to keep your décor eco-friendly, you might enjoy learning to upcycle. Many projects are suitable for beginners, with tutorials online to give you step-by-step instructions, so here are some upcycling projects you could try.

Make a mosaic table

Mosaic tables look stylish and add a touch of the Mediterranean look to your home. Adding tiles to a tabletop also makes it easy to clean and protects it from hot drinks, so no coasters are needed. You can buy beautiful mosaic tiles at Amber, as well as adhesives and sealants, and then all you need is to find a table you’d like to upcycle. A garden bistro table or side table is a good project for a beginner, and once you’ve practiced your skills, you can do a bigger coffee or dining table.

Mosaic tables are an excellent way to match your other latest inspiring trends in home designs, and you can choose either simple blue or neutral tiles or bright colors.

An old drawer can become a side table

If you’re throwing away an old wardrobe or sideboard that has big, deep drawers, then why not keep a couple as side tables? You can convert them in a few steps.

1. Choose a drawer with plenty of depth, so it’ll balance when stood upright

2. Strip off any old varnish and apply the color you want – if you use chalk paint, you don’t have to remove the old stuff and can simply paint over

3. Add four short, tapered furniture legs, ensuring they’re strong enough to hold the weight of the drawer, plus any items you put inside

4. Add interior shelves – most DIY stores will cut wood to size for you, simply make sure you have the correct measurement for the perfect fit

This sort of upcycling project is versatile. You can add as many shelves as you like, or attachments such as hooks, to create a practical piece of furniture that you love.

Pallets are easy to turn into furniture

Wooden pallets have long been popular for upcycling. This is because they’re strong and built to last, while also being the perfect size to stack and turn into all sorts of furniture.

Pallets can be stacked and attached together to make chairs, which are especially popular in the garden, and you can buy the cushions readymade for this sort of furniture. Pallets are made to use outdoors, so once varnished, you know your furniture will last. Indoors, pallets make a great bedframe, although you’ll need to sand them down to avoid getting splinters. Follow health and safety guidelines for woodworking, and make sure you use the proper tools to avoid injury when carrying out your project. Even if you don’t have a huge amount of DIY or textile skills, you can try your hand at upcycling. Many upcycling projects are simple and effective, and give you unique furniture that’ll brighten up your room.